Gay romans

Once these are accounted for, the true attitude of Ancient Rome towards homosexuality can be more accurately determined.

Attitude of The Modern World

In most countries of the modern world, homosexuality is accepted, legal and even celebrated. As well as Hadrian, we hear of Emperor Titus keeping a great number of male concubines, and that Nero married a young man, whom he then had castrated to preserve his youthful qualities.

 

The act of penetrative sex between males was inexplicably linked with the active man’s dominance and prowess, and it was regarded as scandalous and humiliating for men to be the passive partner.

Thus, the relationship between a higher-class Roman man (the active partner) and a lower-born man, often a slave or an ex-slave (the passive partner), was not uncommon.

Excessive indulgence was criticized as a sign of weakness, potentially compromising the perceived strength and essence of the Roman spirit.

His reign extended from 117 to 138 AD, during which he spearheaded extensive architectural initiatives, solidifying his legacy as an emperor of great significance.

Hadrian’s insatiable curiosity and desire to explore the vast territories under Roman rule led him on a journey across the empire, witnessing firsthand the diverse cultures and landscapes it encompassed.

Under Roman rule, same-sex relations were largely seen as immoral and deviant.

We unravel the remarkable tales of three iconic rulers: Trajan, Hadrian, and Elagabalus.

This profound experience undoubtedly shaped his worldview and informed his policies, contributing to the depth of his leadership.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hadrian’s personal life was his relationship with a young Bithynian boy named Antinous, renowned for his exceptional beauty, even earning the title of one of the most beautiful boys in the empire.

This relationship, considered scandalous by the standards of the time, was marked by the perception that Caesar had assumed a submissive role, leading to him being mockingly referred to as “the Queen of Bithynia.”

This nickname, though derogatory, highlighted the prevailing notion that taking a passive role in a homosexual relationship contradicted the image of a strong, dominant Roman leader.

The strict societal norms of ancient Rome, where power and social status were paramount, influenced the dynamics of homosexual relationships.

While married to a woman, Trajan’s marriage remained childless, further underscoring the distinct nature of his relationships.

Cassius Dio, the historian of the time, explicitly stated that Trajan was “devoted to boys and wine,” shedding light on the more private aspects of his life, distinct from his renowned military and architectural feats.

As we transition to the next chapter of Roman history, we encounter Hadrian, Trajan’s adopted son, who emerges as another one of Rome’s most renowned gay emperors.

Hadrian and Antinous – the love affair of an Emperor and a God

Emperor Hadrian, undoubtedly one of Rome’s most influential rulers, left an indelible mark on the empire through his visionary leadership, prolific building projects, and profound love for Greek culture.

Statues of Antinous have withstood the test of time, preserving his image and the reverence he garnered.

The cult of Antinous thrived, rivaling the burgeoning Christian movement in its rapid expansion and influence. Even when Caesar returned to Rome after conquering Gaul he could not escape the rumours, and the chant ‘Caesar laid Gaul low, but Nicomedes laid Caesar low’ rang out at his triumphal procession.

 

In summary, homosexuality in ancient Rome was as much about communications of power and status than it was about attraction and emotion, with sex as a vehicle to exercise privilege and dominance.

Hadrian was so affected by this that he had Antinous deified, and a cult dedicated to his worship spread across the empire. As such, how Roman views are portrayed often shapes modern understanding of their views on homosexuality.

In television shows such as Rome and Spartacus, same-sex relationships are often treated far more sympathetically than what would have been the case in reality.

From Rome to Byzantium, I dive deep into the stories and details that shaped our past.

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